Horizon Forbidden West, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn, promised an epic continuation of Aloy’s journey in a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world. While the game garnered significant praise for its stunning visuals and expanded gameplay mechanics, some players have voiced concerns about certain aspects that detracted from the overall experience. In this article, we’ll delve into common criticisms of Horizon Forbidden West and explore why some might find it less captivating than its predecessor.
Problems with Horizon Forbidden West:
The Loss of Mystery
One of the most compelling features of Horizon Zero Dawn was its central mystery: the unraveling of what caused the downfall of the technologically advanced old world. Forbidden West, by necessity, has less of this core intrigue. While it introduces new threats and expands on the established lore, that fundamental sense of awe-inspiring discovery is somewhat diminished. Some players felt that the narrative lacked a compelling replacement to drive the story forward.
Horizon Forbidden West: Am I missing something here?
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Aloy’s Stoicism and Lack of Personal Stakes
Aloy stands as a strong and determined protagonist, yet some players found her emotional range to be somewhat limited in Forbidden West. Her relentless focus on saving the world sometimes came at the expense of expressing a broader spectrum of human emotions and motivations. While Aloy’s drive is understandable, some critics suggest that exploring her personal aspirations and desires for a post-crisis future would have made her a more relatable and engaging character.
Relearning Old Lessons
Horizon Zero Dawn saw Aloy grow from a shunned outcast into someone who embraced the importance of allies and community. Some felt disappointed that Forbidden West retreads this character arc. Aloy’s occasional reversion to a lone-wolf mentality can feel like a step backward. Showing her actively applying and expanding on lessons learned would have been a more satisfying character development choice.
Underdeveloped Tribes
The Forbidden West introduces a plethora of new tribes, each with their own unique customs and beliefs. Unfortunately, many players find that only a few, like the Tenakth, truly feel fleshed out. Some tribes come across as superficial, distinguished more by their visual style than by meaningful cultural depth. This dilutes the potential impact of encountering these diverse societies.
Pacing and Exposition
Some players express that Horizon Forbidden West suffers from pacing issues, particularly in its early stages. The exposition-heavy opening, though necessary for establishing the sequel’s complex plot, can feel slow and overwhelming, especially compared to Zero Dawn’s more immediate hook. This, combined with the sheer number of factions and characters to keep track of, has contributed to some players feeling lost or disengaged in the narrative.
The Inevitable Comparison to Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn was a groundbreaking title that set a very high bar for its sequel. While comparisons are natural, it’s unfair to expect Forbidden West to replicate the same feeling of wonder and awe as the original. Some players experienced disappointment simply because the sequel couldn’t recapture the unique magic of uncovering the world for the first time.
It’s Not All Bad
It’s important to remember that despite these criticisms, Horizon Forbidden West remains an impressive game. Its stunning visuals, engaging combat mechanics, and the exploration of a vast, diverse open world are strong points that many players thoroughly enjoy. Some players who experienced less intrigue with the main story still find the side quests, exploration of ruins, and dynamic machine encounters to be satisfying in their own right.
In Conclusion
Horizon Forbidden West faced an uphill battle in living up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. While undoubtedly a beautiful and action-packed experience, some players find it lacks the same emotional resonance and sense of discovery that made Horizon Zero Dawn truly special. Whether these issues overshadow the game’s strengths depends largely on the player’s priorities and expectations. Nonetheless, it’s a valuable discussion that highlights the challenges of crafting sequels that both honor their legacy and strive to offer something new.
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